'My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?' (James 2.1-5, NIV.)
God has chosen you to inherit the Kingdom. The richness we have is based on our faith not on our possessions, and as we shall see, how we live out our faith.
In these verses, James addresses the issue of favouritism or discrimination within the Christian community. He emphasises the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their social or economic status. James criticises the practice of showing special attention to the wealthy while neglecting the poor. He argues that such behaviour goes against the principles of faith in Jesus Christ, who showed no partiality. James encourages believers to demonstrate genuine faith by treating all people with love and without prejudice, recognising that true wealth lies in faith and devotion to God rather than in worldly status.
Led by the Lord / Romans 4 (Part 2)
Led by the Lord / Romans 4 (Part 1)
Effectual fervent prayer / James Bible Study (Part 15) / Chapter 5
Patience in suffering / James Bible Study (Part 14) / Chapter 5
The cries of the innocent are heard by the Lord / James Bible Study (Part 13) / Chapter 5
Draw near to God / James Bible Study (Part 12) / Chapter 4
God give grace to the humble / James Bible Study (Part 11) / Chapter 4
Aligning our desires with Christ / James Bible Study (Part 10) / Chapter 4
Show your wisdom by the way you live / James Bible Study (Part 9) / Chapter 3
Setting the direction of your life / James Bible Study (Part 8) / Chapter 3
Becareful what you say / James Bible Study (Part 7) / Chapter 3
Faith and works / James Bible Study (Part 6) / Chapter 2
Fulfilling the Royal Law / James Bible Study (Part 5) / Chapter 2
The righteousness God desires / James Bible Study (Part 3) / Chapter 1
Blessed is the one who perseveres / James Bible Study (Part 2) / Chapter 1
Count it all joy / James Bible Study (Part 1) / Chapter 1
Let not your heart be troubled / John 14 (Part 3)
Let not your heart be troubled / John 14 (Part 2)
Let not your heart be troubled / John Chapter 14 (Part 1)
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